M.Sc. Simon Bischof

Research Abstract

Current state of research in the field:

First commercial Li-Ion storage systems to store excess energy from photovoltaics are now available for private households. However compared to domestic users, industrial applications have different requirements regarding load profiles and power quality. Analysis of fine grained energy status data could reveal potential for load shifting and process optimization. From this data strategies for an optimal use of the battery could be derived. One aim of such a strategy could be reducing the peak power received from the grid.

There has been a lot of research on battery technology, ranging from material sciences, to sophisticated battery models. Different approaches on State of Charge / State of health estimation have been investigated. However these algrithms are often applied on batteries with only a single cell using highly accurate lab equipment. It is unclear how these algorithms perform on multi cell batteries with cheaper, less accurate embedded sensor systems.

Intermediate questions:

How to combine renewable energy sources and battery storage in an industrial setting under different optimization criteria? Feasible at first sight seems to be the combination of photovoltaics and Li-Ion batteries.

Develop strategies for an optimal use of the battery

What are the Requirements on battery management systems (BMS), sensors and cell technology with regard to reliability, availability, safety and security?